If you’ve got kids, you’ve got packages of Kool-Aid drink mix in your cupboard. And if you’ve got kids, you know they’re always looking for something fun to do. How about creating some art projects that are colorful and smell fruity-delicious? Grab your unsweetened packages of Kool-Aid (Wyler’s, Flavor-Ade, Mixade- any brand will work as long as it’s not the pre-sweetened variety) and let’s get mixing!
Tutti-Frutti Watercolor Paint
You’ll need a small bowl for each color. Empty single-serve pudding/jello cups work well.
Empty the contents of one package into the bowl. Add 1 (one) tablespoon water and mix well. Use as you would use regular watercolors.
Note: Lemonade flavor, while it smells great, will not produce a very bright color. You can also easily mix colors, just keep in mind that you’ll probably end up with a very dark, brownish hue. Example: Lime + orange = brown
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/4 cup water
1/4 cornstarch
Measure the cornstarch into a small container, then add the drink mix powder and water. Mix well with a spoon; paint will be thick and opaque (cloudy). Use outdoors on the concrete steps and/or driveway- we like to use the 1 inch foam paintbrushes to create our outdoor art. You could also paint on black construction paper or posterboard with a smaller brush. Dries quickly and looks just like chalk!
Fruity Fat Paint
I package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup water
In a small bowl, combine drink mix, flour, and salt. Add water and stir with a spoon until combined. This is a thick, textured paint that works best on heavy paper or cardboard. Paint with a thick brush or use a squeeze bottle. Once dry, your painting will have a sparkly look ( due to the salt) and smell fruity too!
Fruity Fun-doh
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
3 Tablespoons cooking oil
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1 cup boiling water
Measure and mix dry ingredients into a large bowl. Add boiling water and oil. Mix well; dough will start to form into a ball. Let cool for a few minutes–dough will be hot! Remove dough from bowl onto a washable surface. Knead dough until smooth. It will continue to cool off as you work it. Now it’s ready for creative little hands to shape and roll.
I love the texture of this dough, and it’s very economical for large groups of children. It keeps well in an air-tight container at room temperature, so can be used over and over again. Creations can also be air-dried for permanence.
Oh, and be sure to save at least one package of Kool-Aid in case your little artists get thirsty!
